Course Details for Post-Graduate Diploma in Theology
Distance Learning campus
Semester 2, 2023
R351.830 Postgraduate Research and Writing
Postgraduate Research and Writing introduces you to the wonder and joy of research. It is a course designed to inspire students with the vast breadth of cutting edge investigations that are being done by the lecturers at Laidlaw, and then to teach them how to research themselves by partnering with one of these lecturers. Students will develop and hone the skills of research and writing by designing and implementing a short research project in their own area of interest.
R361.830 Research Paper
Dependent on supervisor availability. This course offers a student a supervised research essay on an approved topic in an aspect of Theology and/or related discipline. Students can apply to the Head of Theology for enrolment in this course upon the successful completion of R351.830 Postgraduate Research and Writing.
R508.830 Reflective Practice for Ministry
The capacity to reflect on our experience is a key skill that enables us to develop as practitioners in any field of vocation, including Christian ministry. This course is for people who are active in ministry, in either churches or community organisations, who want to deepen their practice and flourish in ministry. Students will learn to critically evaluate their ministry context, to develop practices of discernment and habits of mind that produce resilience over the long-term, and to understand what they bring to their ministry role from their own personality and as a participant in community. The course is delivered through a range of seminars, workshops, reflections and fieldwork activities, and all learning is grounded in the student’s own ministry context.
R612.830 The Church for Others
The church’s social advocacy is increasingly recognised as a central aspect of her witness in the world. And yet, a call to social action can often be cast aside or seen as just one priority amongst many. This course presents biblical, theological, and historical investigations into the self-emptying existence for others which rests at the heart of Christian existence. Beginning with the biblical witness regarding the community’s posture towards the vulnerable, the course then uses Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theological work to guide our discourse. We will hear Bonhoeffer ask, “Is the church the church if she does not exist for others?” and consider the significance of moving social action from the register of mission (something the church does) into the register of being (something the church is). The course will conclude by investigating historical case studies, illuminating how social action for the other historically and consistently emerges when the church lives from her faithful identity in Christ, and how it can be applied in the varied cultural contexts that exist in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
This timetable is correct at the time of publication; however the College reserves the right to cancel courses, or alter lecture times should circumstances arise. Up to date information is available at any time by contacting the College.